Prayer that grows our Jewish souls
SinaiWorship
Prayer is a way of expressing the meaning of our lives in words and ritual. Come find fulfillment in worship that is enriching, participatory, musical and joyful. All of our Shabbat and most Holiday worship services are open to all. Everyone is welcome to participate in person – members and non-members, Jews and non-Jews. Most of our services can also be viewed at home through live-streaming. Contact the Temple office for information on our High Holy Day services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
What to Expect, How to Show Up
You don't need to worry about fitting in or feeling welcome when you come to worship with us. Our services are joyful, song-filled and participatory. Much of our music invites group singing. It doesn't matter if you don't know Hebrew or if you don't know the words – we invite you to hum, tap and clap along!
Our regular Shabbat services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings are each about 60 to 75 minutes long. They may go somewhat longer when there is a guest speaker or a special occasion. About half of our prayerbook is in Hebrew, the ancient language of Jewish faith and worship. Our prayer books include complete English translations and transliterations to allow all to participate meaningfully.
Many people wear their neat weekend clothes to our Shabbat services. Men are welcome to wear a shirt with a collar and slacks. Women are welcome to wear a blouse and skirt or pants. Young children are welcome to wear play clothes. On special occasions, such as the High Holidays or at the celebration of a bar or bat mitzvah, people do dress a bit more formally — jackets are appropriate for men; dresses, skirts or pants suits for women.
Both men and women, Jews and non-Jews, are encouraged to wear a kippah (yarmulke) during worship, but it is not required. Jewish men and women above the age of bar/bat mitzvah are encouraged to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) during morning services, but it is not required. Kippot and tallitot are available at the Temple.
People often ask about appropriate behavior during services, but the truth is that there is nothing difficult about it. You should have a prayer book during the service, which you can find in front of your seat in the Sanctuary or on the bookshelf at the entrance to the Chapel. Page numbers in the prayerbook are from right to left (the direction in which the Hebrew language is written). The rabbi will give instructions on when to stand and sit. You are welcome to join the congregation in singing or reciting prayers, but you are never required to do so.
If you have questions, feel free to ask! We are a friendly congregation and we always appreciate the chance to help you feel comfortable.
What to Expect, How to Show Up
You don't need to worry about fitting in or feeling welcome when you come to worship with us. Our services are joyful, song-filled and participatory. Much of our music invites group singing. It doesn't matter if you don't know Hebrew or if you don't know the words – we invite you to hum, tap and clap along!
Our regular Shabbat services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings are each about 60 to 75 minutes long. They may go somewhat longer when there is a guest speaker or a special occasion. About half of our prayerbook is in Hebrew, the ancient language of Jewish faith and worship. Our prayer books include complete English translations and transliterations to allow all to participate meaningfully.
Many people wear their neat weekend clothes to our Shabbat services. Men are welcome to wear a shirt with a collar and slacks. Women are welcome to wear a blouse and skirt or pants. Young children are welcome to wear play clothes. On special occasions, such as the High Holidays or at the celebration of a bar or bat mitzvah, people do dress a bit more formally — jackets are appropriate for men; dresses, skirts or pants suits for women.
Both men and women, Jews and non-Jews, are encouraged to wear a kippah (yarmulke) during worship, but it is not required. Jewish men and women above the age of bar/bat mitzvah are encouraged to wear a tallit (prayer shawl) during morning services, but it is not required. Kippot and tallitot are available at the Temple.
People often ask about appropriate behavior during services, but the truth is that there is nothing difficult about it. You should have a prayer book during the service, which you can find in front of your seat in the Sanctuary or on the bookshelf at the entrance to the Chapel. Page numbers in the prayerbook are from right to left (the direction in which the Hebrew language is written). The rabbi will give instructions on when to stand and sit. You are welcome to join the congregation in singing or reciting prayers, but you are never required to do so.
If you have questions, feel free to ask! We are a friendly congregation and we always appreciate the chance to help you feel comfortable.
